Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1887-08-26

tudG tuo Clans OI Iu6 people COulQ rise dnO
dethrone them. for then they had nc
standing armies, so they had to depend
on the friendship of these clans. This
kept them in wholesome dread, which
while it might not have always secured
good government, yet kept the kings
from going too far in expressing the PEG
pie. But when they got standing armies
later. this was changed. They had an
organized force against an unorganized
people whom they could now easily keer
down, instead of the people keeping them
in restraint. Now all professions and
trades may organize for their interests
and for the
REPRESENTATION OF THEIR INTER-
EsTS.
The farmers are largely IN the majority
and are fully able to have their interests
also protected. 1t is not unreasonable
that they should wish to be represented
in the legislature in proportion to their
numbers and interests. I want to see all
professions and calllngs representa- d.
all. But what have we noWy In the
United States Senate there is but one
farmer, and out of 800 members of the
House of Representatives but twenty -one
farmers. And this when farming is the
most important industry of the country.
What is the best pledge that your repre-
sentative can give that he will represent
your interests f? It is that has interest is
also yours. A man man that can't iDjure
you without injuring himself is the man
(applause.) I have great respect for the
legal profession, profession composed of
men of patriotism and great moral worth.
But suppose some important question
touching their interests was to be decided;
do you suppose they would select farmers
to settle 1t? They wouldn't do that. They
would say these farmers don't know our
interest as well as we do ourselves The
same reply would come from physicians il
asked to submit their interests to farmers.
[ can speak thus in Augusta for L know
of no county in Virginia that has sent
better representatives to the legislature.
In the last few years, beingsin different
body, could no. see much Of your dele
gates, but 1 can say of your Senator with
whom was thrown that no man watches
the farmers interests more than the
Senator from Augusta, and be is entitled
to this compliment for his safe. conserva-
tive course, and watchfulness over your
interest.
THE SORT OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
The remedy for our troubles is in the
hands of the farmers if you choose to use
it, One of the troubles is want of proper
legislation to protect farmers. That can
be remedied by sending men identi6 ed
with your interest. There are some men
who say there will not be SO much int lii
eence among agriculturists as among
professional men. A greater mistake never
was made. They may not be as cultured
and accomplished, but for coed. sound,
practical horse sense let me go among the
farmers, and there I'll find 1t, (applausel.
do not intend by this to reflect on any
one else. Three-fourths of the people are
engaged in agriculture, yet only TO per
cent. of the legislation is in that interest,
while the other 80 per cent. is in other in
terests. This is perfectly natural, and it
is no reflection on those who have been
sent there to legislate; for men will most
naturally turn their attention to the things
they are most interested in. "Where the
treasure is there will the heart be also"
As the best approach to chlld's affection
is through its stomach, SO the best Way to
man g is through his interests.
RAILROADS.
Over production is said to be one of the
causes of our trouble. The remedy is ex-
cedlngly hard to suggest. We are salts
fed that railroads are important, necessa-
nv. essential to the proper development of
our country, and would do nothing to.pre-
vent them filling their mission. L once
had an idea that it was sound doctrine
that every man had right to do just as
he pleased with hisown. But when L got
older had to add, provided he does not
trespass on the rights Of others. One
trouble about railroads is that, as Mr..
Grattan says, they have brought the West
to the East and carried the East to the
West. There is such discrimination be-
tween way and through freights and 1t
operates so injuriously, that the nearer you
are to market the more you suffer. our
proximity to market gave US the idea that
we could get there cheaper and we should
realize for our crops as much as the pro-
ducts of the West. But it has not proved
so. Some say the farmers contributor
very little to build the roads and should
not complain. The B. & o. road toos
large and controlling stock in the valley
Railway. but where did they get the mon
ey from to do itp If the money made bJ
the agricultural interest got into some
body elses hands, how did it get there? A
long as the railroads came to US ahe
stopped we got some advantage. but WheI
they went through there were dlsadVan
tages. Suppose they charge as much Oh
freight from Augusta to Richmond al
from st. Louis to Richmond, is that fair
If thew can't afford to carry wheat from
st, Louis to Richmond at 10 cents, land ye
do do it, how will they make it up.
A Voics.-They make it up on the wa
G1reights.
Mr. Massey.-Yes; that is just it. The
make it up on the way freights which IL
,cludes you, farmers of Augusta. l beiiey
-Virginians would meet any emergenc
.gheerfuIly if it was only their equal Share
If their taxes were increased and the
were satisfied that it was general and
favored exceptions, they would make Il
complaint, hard as 1t would be. But tina
is not the plan Of the railroad. There al
some noble men connected with these raj
IL l,,,t thu ahramdest men | ever MT